1. On August 20, 1989, Detroit Tigers pitcher Doyle Alexander achieved his 15th win of the season, helping the team secure the American League East title. This victory marked the beginning of the Tigers' playoff run, which ultimately ended in a loss to the Oakland Athletics in the ALCS.

2. August 20, 1929, marked the premier of "Our Gang," a popular series of comedic short films produced by Hal Roach Studios. The series, which centered on a group of young children and their misadventures in everyday life, was a cultural phenomenon throughout the 1930s.

3. On August 20, 1964, the Michigan State Police initiated the first statewide 911 emergency service. This groundbreaking system allowed anyone in Michigan to dial the three-digit phone number to report emergencies and connect to the appropriate dispatch center.

4. In 2013, August 20 was declared "Pure Michigan Day" by Governor Rick Snyder, in honor of Michigan's natural beauty and tourist attractions. The day highlighted the state's many outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and boating.

5. August 20, 1945, saw the reopening of the Grand Rapids Public Museum, which had been closed during World War II due to lack of funding and resources. The museum, located in downtown Grand Rapids, remains a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.